YouTube has introduced a new setting that allows users to limit or effectively turn off Shorts on their home screen. The goal is simple: help people spend less time endlessly scrolling short videos and stay more in control of how they use the app.
This feature is being released gradually, so it may not be visible to everyone yet.
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What’s New in This Update
The latest update gives users more flexibility than before. Earlier, the minimum limit for watching Shorts was set to 15 minutes. Now, you can reduce that limit all the way down to zero minutes.
When you set the limit to zero:
- Shorts stop appearing in the main home feed
- The app shows a message saying you’ve reached your daily limit
- Continuous scrolling of Shorts is blocked for the day
This change is especially helpful for people who feel distracted by short-form videos and want to manage their screen time better.
Why This Feature Matters
Short videos are designed to keep users engaged, often longer than intended. By adding this control, YouTube is giving users a way to reduce unnecessary screen time and focus on more meaningful content.
Originally, time limits like this were mainly used by parents to manage their children’s viewing habits. Now, the same control is available for everyone.
How to Turn Off Shorts (Step-by-Step)
You can enable this setting in just a few steps:
- Open the YouTube app
- Tap your profile icon
- Go to Settings (gear icon)
- Select Time Management
- Find the Shorts Feed Limit option
- Set the limit to zero minutes
Once activated, you’ll see a notification whenever you try to access Shorts, reminding you that your limit has been reached.
Things to Keep in Mind
This setting mainly removes Shorts from the homepage. However, they may still appear in other areas, such as:
- Search results
- Subscriptions feed
So while the feature reduces exposure, it doesn’t completely remove Shorts from the app.
Supporting Better Viewing Habits
Along with this update, YouTube also offers tools like break reminders and bedtime alerts. These features are designed to help users build healthier digital habits and avoid spending too much time on the platform.
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Final Thoughts
This new control option is a useful step toward mindful content consumption. By limiting access to Shorts, users can cut down on distractions and use their time more intentionally.
As the feature continues to roll out, more users will be able to take advantage of it and create a better balance in their daily screen time.
Abhi Rajput, founder of EarnAbhi.in, is a tech lover with 6+ years of experience in SEO, digital tools, and smartphone troubleshooting. He writes simple, clear, and useful guides to help people solve real tech problems.